The Denver Broncos have signed running back Melvin Gordon from the the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday. According to Ben Pickman of Sports Illustrated, the terms of the deal are for two years and $16 million.
Gordon, a native of Kenosha, Wisconsin, played his first five seasons with the Chargers organization. In 2015 and 2016 he was in San Diego and from 2017 to 2019 he was in Los Angeles.
This past season Gordon missed the first four games of the season because of a contract dispute. When he did return, Gordon still seemed to be in a time share with Austin Ekeler of Lincoln, Nebraska. On March 16, the Chargers made it clear what long term direction they were headed at running back as they signed Ekeler to a four year contract worth $24.5 million.
In 2019, Gordon started 11 games (played in 12) and had 162 rushes for 612 yards and eight touchdowns. He also had 42 catches for 296 yards and one touchdown. In total, Gordon had 908 yards and nine touchdowns.
The fact that Gordon is moving to Denver is a little curious. That is because one would have thought Denver needed a wide receiver or tight end more to complement wide receiver Courtland Sutton. The Broncos also have a dependable running back in Phillip Lindsay on their roster.
It should be noted that Lindsay had better numbers overall than Gordon in 2019. Last season, Lindsay had 224 carries for 1011 yards. However more importantly he had 4.5 rushing yards per carry versus Gordon’s 3.8 yards per carry.
The Broncos will also be hoping that Gordon will be able to rekindle the magic he displayed on the football field that he showcased during the seasons from 2016 to 2018. In 2016 and 2018, Gordon went to the Pro Bowl and had 10 rushing touchdowns each season. In 2017, he had a career high 1105 rushing yards.
